Patricia Dodson , 74, rural Minot, died Tuesday, December 25, 2007, in a Minot hospital.

Patricia Hecker was born September 22, 1933, in Minot, ND to Thaddeus and Marvel Mae (Felty) Hecker. She was raised in Minot and attended Model High School.

Pat was united marriage to J.C. Dodson on September 22, 1951 in Minot. They made their home in Minot, where they raised five children. She worked as a nurse's aide in the Lutheran Home and also as a Home Health caregiver through First District Health Unit of Minot for a number of years until early 1980's when she retired to take care of her husband, due to his ill health.

Pat cared for her husband through his courageous battle with cancer until his death on March 13, 1988. She continued to make her home in Minot, where she embraced the role of grandmother for many years to come in addition to raising her grandson T.J.

Pat was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Minot and also a past member of the Moose Lodge. Her hobbies include camping, fishing, reading, computer games, and especially playing bingo. She will be deeply missed by all who shared in her life.

Surviving family includes: Children: Carol (Elroy) Hansen, Minot, Sue (Jerry) Blikre, Minot, Jay (Dorelle Delzer) Dodson, New Town, ND, Debra (Edwin) Zuck, Minot, and Tom Dodson, Minot; (13) Grandchildren; (12) Great Grandchildren; Brothers: Erland (Yuki) Hecker - Okinawa, Japan; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson, Robert Hansen, sisters, Jean Behrens, Ruth Foley, Joan Albers, Myrtle and Lois Hecker, and brothers, Casey and Paul Hecker.

Funeral service: Monday, December 31, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND
Visitation: Sunday, December 30, 2007 from noon until 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: Memorials are preferred to the Women's Way Resource Help Fund at PO Box 1268, Minot, ND 58702.